Barrancas

Barrancas is in the Pehuenches department in northern Neuquén, on the south bank of the Barrancas River, which forms the border with Mendoza. Route 40 crosses the village from south to north: it is the last settlement in Patagonia along that road. It sits 1,110 metres above sea level and has 1,438 residents (2022 census).

Things to do

• The lookouts: two viewpoints up high overlook the Barrancas River valley.
• Circuits: Cari Lauquen lagoon and the Tromen volcano circuit (197 km).
• The Barrancas River: it rises in the Andes on the Chilean border and runs for 130 km.

Festivals

Return of the Summer Herder Festival: a tribute to the country folk who drive their animals for long periods to high summer pastures. There is a gaucho parade, rodeo and creole skills (lamb taming, rhea bolas throwing, riding double), folk singers, country dancing and regional food.

Distances: National Route 40 · on the Mendoza border · 1,110 m above sea level